Reconstruction of Heritage Network for South China Historical Trail

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The article "Narrative and Space: Reconstruction of Heritage Network for South China Historical Trail" discusses various perspectives related to the historical and cultural significance of the South China Historical Trail. Here are the key perspectives presented in the article: Historical and Cultural Significance: The South China Historical Trail served as a vital communication channel within and outside the Lingnan region across different historical periods. It was essential for population migration, commodity exchange, and cultural dissemination. The trail's evolution reflects the historical development of the Lingnan region, transitioning from military uses to economic functions, and connecting inland areas to coastal regions and the broader world through the Maritime Silk Road. Narrative Spatial Structure: The study introduces the analysis method of narrative spatial structure to explore the historical characteristics and cultural connotations of the trail. It constructs a systematic narrative space based on the trail's four main functions: postal exchange, military war, commerce and trade, and official travel. This approach provides a holistic understanding of the heritage corridor's network. Functional and Spatial Organization: The trail's spatial structure is described as having Guangzhou as the central core, with sub-cores in Leizhou, Yangjiang (western Guangdong), and Chaozhou (eastern Guangdong). A supporting network system based on waterways and land routes is identified. The article emphasizes the shift in the trail's functions over time, from primarily military to increasingly economic, highlighting its role in regional development. Research Approach and Methods: The study employs narrative space system theory, which looks at the spatial environment through the lens of narrative theory. This method considers the dynamic development of space over time, including key events and their spatial contexts. The research categorizes narrative elements of the trail into four sections (postal, military, trade, and official travel) and uses historical documents to map and analyze these elements across different periods. Implications for Heritage Preservation: The article suggests that understanding the narrative spatial structure of heritage corridors like the South China Historical Trail can enhance the construction and protection of such networks. It provides a framework for integrating various historical resources and constructing a comprehensive heritage network, offering a reference for similar studies on heritage corridors. Guiding Significance: The findings have practical implications for the construction and protection of the South China Historical Trail's heritage corridor network. The research offers a model for other scholars studying similar heritage corridors, emphasizing the importance of narrative space analysis in heritage conservation and cultural studies. Overall, the article advocates for a comprehensive approach to understanding and preserving heritage corridors, focusing on their narrative spatial structures and historical development.

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